Poem by Mary Wortley Montagu

The Lady's Resolve

Written on a window, soon after her marriage, 1713.

Whilst thirst of praise and vain desire of fame,
In every age is every woman's aim;
With courtship pleas'd, of silly toasters proud,
Fond of a train, and happy in a crowd;
On each proud fop bestowing some kind glance,
Each conquest owing to some loose advance;
While vain coquets affect to be pursued,
And think they're virtuous, if not grossly lewd:
Let this great maxim be my virtue's guide;
In part she is to blame that has been try'd --
He comes too near, that comes to be deny'd. 

1. Ballad, on a Late Occurrence
2. Impromptu, to a Young Lady Singing
3. Town Eclogues: Wednesday; the Tête à Tête
4. Town Eclogues: Thursday; the Bassette-Table
5. An Elegy on Mrs. Thompson

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